Civil Engineering

Nuclear power is regarded as a promising alternative energy resource for electricity generation. Another interesting application of nuclear fission is in nuclear powered ships for commuting across oceans. Nuclear powered ships have been around for decades. However, in view of the depleting fossil fuels, interest in nuclear fission for propulsion of commercial and military marine vessels is being revitalized.

The nuclei of certain radioactive elements such as uranium, when bombarded with neutrons, split into simpler nuclei. This breakup of radioactive nuclei, called nuclear fission, accompanies enormous amounts of nuclear energy. Additionally, nuclear fission releases more neutrons, which further split more uranium nuclei, thus releasing more energy. In this way, the process takes the shape of a chain reaction, resulting in massive energy yield.

The obvious advantage of the process is its self-sustainability; once fission is initiated, it needs no replenishment of fuel. The nuclear fission process takes place in a vessel called nuclear reactor. In a nuclear-powered yacht, the heat released during fission is transferred to a water boiler via a heat-transfer fluid or reactor coolant. The heat contained in hot coolant converts the water in boiler tube to high pressure steam. The steam generated in boiler passes through a steam turbine thus making it turn.